Berkshire
Gardens Trust
Reg.Charity No.1201501

We are very pleased to invite you to join us on a private visit to Ufton Court in West Berkshire, by kind permission of the Ufton Court Educational Trust. We will have the opportunity for a tour of the gardens, along with a viewing of the house neither of which are normally open to the public.  At the end of the visit we will be treated to tea and cake.

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The story of Ufton Court begins nearly 1,000 years ago in the pages of the Domesday Book, where it tells us that the land on which Ufton now stands belonged to a wealthy knight called William FitzAnsculf.  However, not much is known about Ufton until 1396 when it came into the possession of a wealthy family called the Lovells when Pole Manor, as it was then known, is thought to have been used as a hunting lodge.  Glimpses of this medieval past are still present today in the structure of the building although much has been altered by later Elizabethan additions.  At that time the property passed to the Perkins family who were to own Ufton Court for the next 200 years.  The family were devout catholics and during the 16th Century were involved in sheltering Jesuit priests in several priest holes which can still be seen in the house.

 

The grounds of Ufton, like the house, have changed over time.  The oak lined avenue that leads to the house is the only survivor of many that used to exist.  The impressive barn at the front of the house dates from the late 17th or early 18th century – it is now used as a wedding venue.  Other notable historic features in the grounds include a string of medieval fishponds, a sunken garden, a herb garden and an old orchard, along with parkland features such as veteran trees and ancient woodland.

 

The house and gardens are now the base for the Ufton Court Educational Trust.  We will learn a little about the Ufton Outdoors and Ufton History programmes for children, designed to engage children in the outdoors in hands on and immersive ways.

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​​​Booking: Tickets are £27 for members and for non-members. Unfortunately, our numbers are limited to 25 people. Please book before Friday 18th July to avoid disappointment.

 

Accessibility: Car parking is available but we encourage you to car share if you can.  Details will be sent in Joining Instructions a week beforehand to those coming to the event.

 

​​Access to Gardens:  There is uneven ground and several steps throughout the grounds although much is level or gently undulating with smooth surfaces.  Please let us know at the time of booking if you will need assistance.

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Please contact Kim at BerksGTmembership@gmail.com for queries about the visit. ​